History of Henry VI, Part II

[Enter KING HENRY VI with a supplication, and the]
[p]QUEEN with SUFFOLK'S head, BUCKINGHAM and Lord SAY]

Queen Margaret. Oft have I heard that grief softens the mind,
And makes it fearful and degenerate;
Think therefore on revenge and cease to weep.
2525But who can cease to weep and look on this?
Here may his head lie on my throbbing breast:
But where's the body that I should embrace?

Henry VI. I'll send some holy bishop to entreat;
For God forbid so many simple souls
Should perish by the sword! And I myself,
Rather than bloody war shall cut them short,
Will parley with Jack Cade their general:
2535But stay, I'll read it over once again.

Queen Margaret. Ah, barbarous villains! hath this lovely face
Ruled, like a wandering planet, over me,
And could it not enforce them to relent,
That were unworthy to behold the same?
2540

Messenger. The rebels are in Southwark; fly, my lord!
2550Jack Cade proclaims himself Lord Mortimer,
Descended from the Duke of Clarence' house,
And calls your grace usurper openly
And vows to crown himself in Westminster.
His army is a ragged multitude
2555Of hinds and peasants, rude and merciless:
Sir Humphrey Stafford and his brother's death
Hath given them heart and courage to proceed:
All scholars, lawyers, courtiers, gentlemen,
They call false caterpillars, and intend their death.
2560

Lord Say. So might your grace's person be in danger.
The sight of me is odious in their eyes;
And therefore in this city will I stay
2570And live alone as secret as I may.

[Enter another Messenger]

Messenger. Jack Cade hath gotten London bridge:
The citizens fly and forsake their houses:
The rascal people, thirsting after prey,
2575Join with the traitor, and they jointly swear
To spoil the city and your royal court.